''This decisive win in southern India is a mandate against inflation, the Congress-led United Progressive Alliance regime's policies of appeasing terrorism and the political opportunism of the Janata Dal (Secular),'' he said in a message.

Expressing gratitude to the electorate for reposing confidence in the BJP, Mr Chouhan added that the victory would force those who considered the BJP as only a northern Indian party to contemplate.

''In the 21st century, India is giving practical shape to the concept of 'Akhand Bharat' instead of a north-south divide. Now, opportunities to serve the people will be given to only those political parties that work for entire India's development and welfare while remaining free from casteism, appeasement and criminalisation of politics,'' he said.